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Wooroloo bushfires: Locals snap up relief grants as Western Power waives reconnection fees

Brianna DuganThe West Australian
In a major boost for those who lost everything in the destructive blaze, Western Power have agreed to waive the $555 cost of establishing a temporary connection.
Camera IconIn a major boost for those who lost everything in the destructive blaze, Western Power have agreed to waive the $555 cost of establishing a temporary connection. Credit: Michael Wilson

The City of Swan has already received an influx of the Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund grant applications since its activation on Wednesday.

Acting chief executive Jim Coten confirmed 57 residents from the City of Swan have applied for the $25,000 rapid response relief grant.

The Lord Mayors Distress Relief Fund — which has raised over $12 million — was activated Wednesday to offer financial aid to those who were affected by the fires in the Shire of Mundaring and the City of Swan.

Grants of up to $25,000 can be sought.

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VideoWooroloo bushfire victims will receive $25,000 quick grants from The Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund

Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas said the fund was overwhelmed by the support it has received from the community and sending thanks to all the frontline workers on the ground.

It comes as Western Power said they will waive reconnection fees for those who have lost their homes to the devastating Wooroloo fires.

In a major boost for those who lost everything in the destructive blaze, Western Power have agreed to waive the $555 cost of establishing a temporary connection.

Asset Operations Executive Manager Sam Barbaro said in a statement that Western Power’s thoughts remain with those impacted by the bushfire — which destroyed 86 homes.

“Removing these fees will provide further financial support for the residents in these challenging times and will streamline homes getting connected to the repaired network in the area,” Mr Barbaro said.

Over 200 employees are on the fire ground helping to re-establish 390 homes that remain without power — one of the largest re-builds Western Power has ever seen.

In a major boost for those who lost everything in the destructive blaze, Western Power have agreed to waive the $555 cost of establishing a temporary connection.
Camera IconIn a major boost for those who lost everything in the destructive blaze, Western Power have agreed to waive the $555 cost of establishing a temporary connection. Credit: Michael Wilson

“We’ve assessed all fire-damaged parts of the network and identified significant damage to our assets, including 532 poles and 44 transformers,” Mr Barbaro said.

“Our crews have worked tirelessly in difficult conditions to replace 240 poles, 22 kilometres of wire and 17 transformers in the past six days,” he said.

The re-build and establishing power to the community is expected to take weeks.

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